Right-handed pitcher Joe Ross is hoping to quickly turn the page on what was a rough season with the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs.
The Phillies signed Ross to a major league contract last winter, as he was coming off a solid campaign with the Milwaukee Brewers. But after a bad summer, he was released in August, and wound up signing with the Cubs for the last month of the season, only to spend his entire tenure with Chicago in the minor leagues.
Now, the 32-year-old Ross is hoping his first West Coast organization can help him revive his major league career.
According to a Saturday report from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Ross signed a deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks that includes an invite to major league spring training. The deal has yet to be reflected on Ross’ official transactions log as of Monday morning.
Last season, Ross pitched to a 5.12 ERA in 51 major league innings, striking out only 37 batters. Once a World Series champion with the 2019 Washington Nationals, Ross owns a 31-35 record and 4.28 ERA in 160 major league appearances.
In Arizona, Ross will get a shot to join a pitching staff that was ravaged by injuries last season, both in the rotation and bullpen. He’d need to perform well in camp, but his veteran experience might be appealing in a long relief role for a very inexperienced relief core.
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